Congrats on last night :-)
Camhead retail value will no doubt drop now, I don't like that.

I wonder about this as well. I just purchased a new '12 GS Adv and will probably end up trading in a few years on a new model.

I think there is a strong enough following to the older models that retail should stay fairly strong. At least that's the lie I'm living to feel better about my purchase! Lovin' my Sam Adams Oktoberfest right now....

First of all I consider these adventure/exploring bikes not dirt bikes and where I go it's not a race.. The limiting factor on my exploring has always been looking up or down something inviting and challaging but not being able to go after it for fear I'll never be able to get it turned around if I get in trouble. I'll be waiting on the adventure model for the guards, larger fuel tank, spoke wheels, and more rugged luggage. It's not the water cooled that gets my attention, I see the main advantages of the new bike in this order

1). Lower seat height for better offroading
2). Easy access wet clutch
3). Cassette style transmission (someone will make a tranny gear set with a reverse). This will finally make these serious exploring machines. I have friends with Urals and they can go where I can't because they can back out of stuff..
4). Less complicated engine to final drive interface.
5). Wider tires. Better weight to area ratio for deep sand.

What I'm not crazy about is traction control....just unnecessary complication to me....

First of all I consider these adventure/exploring bikes not dirt bikes and where I go it's not a race.. The limiting factor on my exploring has always been looking up or down something inviting and challaging but not being able to go after it for fear I'll never be able to get it turned around if I get in trouble. I'll be waiting on the adventure model for the guards, larger fuel tank, spoke wheels, and more rugged luggage. It's not the water cooled that gets my attention, I see the main advantages of the new bike in this order

1). Lower seat height for better offroading
2). Easy access wet clutch
3). Cassette style transmission (someone will make a tranny gear set with a reverse). This will finally make these serious exploring machines. I have friends with Urals and they can go where I can't because they can back out of stuff..4). Less complicated engine to final drive interface.
5). Wider tires. Better weight to area ratio for deep sand.

What I'm not crazy about is traction control....just unnecessary complication to me....

I have not researched this, would you care to elaborate and explain any benefits you see as a result?

If I had a nice camhead like yours I wouldn't be in a rush to buy a first year waterboxer.

I won't but I'm tempted for sure. Next time I'll definitely go with the GSA, to me being very tall it's a step up from the current GS I'm riding. Did a one day 850Km ride lately in 10h's in Northern Washington state. Not having to think about fueling up after ~300Km is nice especially for the longer North American rides...